To open the Recycle Bin in Windows 10, double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop. If the icon is missing, press Windows + R, type shell:RecycleBinFolder, and press Enter, or type Recycle Bin into File Explorer’s address bar. To bring the desktop icon back, go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings and check Recycle Bin.
Ways to open the Recycle Bin
- Desktop: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon.
- Run box: Press Windows + R, type shell:RecycleBinFolder, and press Enter.
- File Explorer: Click the address bar, type Recycle Bin, and press Enter.
- Start menu: Type Recycle Bin in the search box and press Enter.
Restore deleted files
- Open the Recycle Bin.
- Select the file or files you want back. Use the Date Deleted column to find recent items.
- On the Manage tab, click Restore the selected items, or right-click and choose Restore.
Restored files go back to their Original Location. You can also drag a file from the Recycle Bin to any folder.
Show the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop
- Right-click the desktop and choose Personalize.
- Click Themes > Desktop icon settings.
- Check Recycle Bin and click OK.
If no desktop icons show at all, right-click the desktop and choose View > Show desktop icons.
Add the Recycle Bin to File Explorer or Start
- Quick access: Open the Recycle Bin, right-click Quick access in the left pane, and choose Pin current folder to Quick access.
- Start menu: Right-click the desktop Recycle Bin icon and choose Pin to Start.
Empty the Recycle Bin
Right-click the Recycle Bin icon and choose Empty Recycle Bin, or click Empty Recycle Bin on the Manage tab. This permanently deletes the files, so check first. To empty it automatically, turn on Storage Sense in Settings > System > Storage.
Files not in the Recycle Bin?
- Files deleted with Shift + Delete skip the Recycle Bin.
- Files from USB drives and network folders are usually deleted permanently.
- Very large files may be too big for the Recycle Bin. Check its size in Recycle Bin properties.
- OneDrive files have their own recycle bin at onedrive.live.com.
- Try File History or Previous Versions (right-click the folder > Restore previous versions) if you set up backups.
Frequently asked questions
How long do files stay in the Recycle Bin?
Until you empty it or it runs out of space, unless Storage Sense is set to delete them after a number of days.
Can I change the Recycle Bin size?
Yes. Right-click the Recycle Bin, choose Properties, select a drive, and set a Custom size.
Can I recover files after emptying the Recycle Bin?
Sometimes, with Microsoft’s free Windows File Recovery tool or a backup. Stop using the drive right away to improve your chances.
Does this work in Windows 11?
Yes. The same methods work in Windows 11.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.